patterns of population growth in nepal - Institute for Social and ...

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Gubhaju's estimates of 42.9 for males and 38.9 £Or
females for the period 1961-71 were considerably
higher than CBS estimates of 37.0 for males and
36.6 for females. Another notable observation is
that all the estimates for 1950s indicate a higher
life expectancy for females than males. But during
1960s this trend has been rever sed and also has
continued in the subsequent period depicting a
higher life expectancy for males than females.
Although
infant mortality in Nepal is found to be
higher for males than for females, child mortality
(between age one to five) is found to be higher for
females than for males (CBS 1987 a: 314). This may
partly explain the low life expectancy of females
compared to males. On the whole it can be concluded
from Table 4.1 that there has been a rise in the
life expectancy for males as well as females in
Nepal over last 35 years.
1d. Causes of Mortality Decline in Nepal:
The gradual decline in mortality level witnessed
in Nepal since 1960s could be attributed
mainly to the rapid expansion of public health facilities.
Prior to 1950s health facilities were